Another Fun Fact:In 1856, William Walker, an American filibuster from the Southern Confederacy began incursions into Central America. After landing in Nicaragua, he proclaimed himself president of Nicaragua and re-instated slavery.
He wanted to expand into Costa Rica and after entering Costa Rican soil, Costa Rica declared war (we didn't let him).
Costa Rican forces followed the filibusters into Rivas, Nicaragua, where in a final battle, William Walker and his forces were finally pushed back. Juan Santa María, a mulatto drummer boy lost his life when he set fire to the filibusters' stronghold, and is today remembered as a national hero.
Eventually, the filibusters were defeated and forced out of the country.
Juan Santa Maria
Yet ANOTHER fun fact:
In 1949, Costa Rica declared itself a democracy and rid itself of its military.
My grandfather Jose PeÑa was the last person in my family that fought in a war.
Starting this year, 2009, Costa Rica has not fought a war in 60 years! When I say peace, I mean it!
Peace/Paz/Namaste
In 1949, Costa Rica declared itself a democracy and rid itself of its military.
My grandfather Jose PeÑa was the last person in my family that fought in a war.
Starting this year, 2009, Costa Rica has not fought a war in 60 years! When I say peace, I mean it!
Peace/Paz/Namaste
1 comment:
Carlos,
I knew nothing of this history.
No war in 60 years....wow.
A land, a history, and a people to be proud of.
That'll always be your soul.
Kelly
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